HUGHESVILLE, Md. (May 14, 2011)  Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) announced the recipients of its scholarships for 2011. Each year, SMECO awards four $1,500 college scholarships to high school seniors who live in the Co-op's service area. SMECO awards scholarships based on the applicants' scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement.

SMECO has awarded each of the following students a $1,500 college scholarship.

Jordan Pruitt, daughter of Teri Simpson of Pomfret, is a senior at McDonough High School. Pruitt participates in numerous activities including varsity soccer, student government, and Schools for Schools to help raise money for schools in Africa. Pruitt has been listed on the principal's honor roll and received recognition through Minds in Motion and an Honorable Mention in the school science fair. Pruitt has also supported her community through church activities and the March for Babies fund raiser. She plans to study biology and physical therapy at Frostburg State University in Maryland.

Sujita Basnet, daughter of Reena Karki of Waldorf, attends North Point High School. Basnet has volunteered at Civista Medical Center and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, where she worked with Chinelos dancers, sharing their historical background and culture. She is trained in the classical Indian dance form, Kuchipudi. Basnet has received Principal's Honor Roll and High Honor Roll recognition. She plans to study biomedical engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Markisha Allen, daughter of Barbara Allen of Mechanicsville, is a senior at Chopticon High School. Allen participates in a competitive dance team, chorus, the International Thespian Society, and student government. She played basketball, was on the track team, and served on the St. Mary's County Teen Court. She is also a member of Best Buddies and the Future Business Leaders Association. Allen is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Society of High School Scholars, and she has earned an Advanced Placement English award. She plans to study fine arts and business at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina.

Karen Jung, daughter of Kelly and Monica Jung of Hollywood, attends Leonardtown High School. She is a Maryland Distinguished Scholar semi-finalist and has been recognized as an Advanced Placement Scholar with Distinction and received a St. Mary's County Public Schools Scholars Academic Achievement award. Jung has studied piano for eight years and she teaches students to play. She organized a fund-raising event held at the Washington Sunghyun Korean Church on behalf of the Hospice of St. Mary's to help raise money to construct a hospice home. Jung plans to study engineering at the University of Maryland.